In the central highlands of Guatemala, lofty volcanoes are commonplace. We hike through traditional Indian villages, coffee plantations and cloud forest as we climb peaks which offer staggering views. Although most of the volcanoes are now dormant, we walk to the lava fields of active Pacaya and to the steaming crater of Cerro Quemado. As well as the fantastic walking on offer, there is plenty of time to delve into the local culture and find out more about the Mayan Indians who live in the highlands.

Walk profile

Daily distance in km/miles:

Day 2

6.0km/3.7miles

Day 3

7.0km/4.3miles

Day 4

5.0km/3.1miles

Day 5

11.0km/6.8miles

Day 6

18.0km/11.2miles

Day 7

14.0km/8.7miles

Day 8

17.0km/10.6miles

Day 9

19.0km/11.8miles

Day 10

23.0km/14.3miles

Day 11

19.0km/11.8miles

Day 12

18.0km/11.2miles

Day 13

21.0km/13.0miles

Day 14

5.0km/3.1miles

Number of days walking: 10

Pace: Challenging: Approximately 6-7 hours walking per day

Terrain: Low altitude; good paths with some steep ascents

Itinerary

Show detailed itinerary

1Day 1Start Antigua.

Those on group flights will be met at Guatemala City airport and transferred to Antigua (approx. 1 hour journey). Land only clients will meet at the start hotel in Antigua.See more images and videos

2Day 2Pacaya Volcano hike (2570m).

This morning we set off towards Pacaya Volcano which is a 1.5 hours drive away. The hike up Pacaya involves around 1.5 hours of continuous ascent on paths coated in volcanic ash, with much of the route being surrounded by subtropical forest. Due to the unpredictable volcanic activity, often we can't go all the way to the top. However, with clear weather we should have views of Guatemala City and the Pacific lowlands stretching away to the east. Close to the top, we break out of the trees and after a short walk across open land we come across the vast dry lava field. Due to the shifting lava flow, molten rock is unlikely to be visible but occasionally people can be seen toasting marshmallows on the fiery surface! After our packed lunch we will walk for about an hour to further explore the volcano before following the same path back to our vehicle. The descent takes around 90 minutes and the drive back to Antigua a further 90 minutes. On arrival, we have a walking tour, visiting the main sights of Antigua's colonial city centre. Approximate walking time 4-6 hours.

After breakfast we drive about 2 hrs west towards Lake Atitlan. En route, we visit the Postclassic Mayan archaeological site of Iximche, a well-preserved city complete with ball courts, palaces and temples. After a short drive, we stop for lunch after visiting the site, then drive to the trailhead for a 2-3 hour hike to Lake Atitlan. The route is mainly downhill (although you should expect steep and uneven terrain), passing through farmland and small villages before ending with spectacular views over the lake and the surrounding volcanoes. We spend the night in the bustling lakeside town of Panajachel. Approximate walking time 2-3 hours.See more images and videos

4Day 4Cerro de Oro Volcano walk; transfer to San Juan la Laguna.

We take a 15 minute boat ride across the lake to Cerro de Oro, one of the least-visited villages on the lake shore and dominated by the volcano of the same name. After walking through the charming village, we reach the start of the short but intense climb through fields and coffee plantations to the summit (1870m). On the way we will pass a sacred site still used by Mayan shamans in their rituals. After a quick descent, we board a local truck for the short transfer to Santiago Atitlan where we will have a stroll around the main square and lively local market before boarding another boat for the 20 minute ride to San Juan, where we spend the night. Approximate walking time 2 hours.See more images and videos

5Day 5Free day.

Today has been left free to relax, walk along the lake shore or maybe even take a dip in the cool waters. It is possible to visit neighbouring villages from here, you may wish to spend some time at the local artists' and weavers' cooperatives or embark on a 5-6 hour climb to Volcan San Pedro where, if weather allows, you can experience a 360 degree view of Lake Atitlan and the surrounding Volcanoes.See more images and videos

6Day 6Indian's Nose Peak.

This morning we begin our trek into the highlands with an ascent of Indian's Nose Peak, which derives its name from the fact that it resembles a Mayan face. The initial climb to the summit is quite steep and winding but we are rewarded with impressive views of the lake's shimmering waters as well as the peaks of the northern highlands. From the top, we follow a mountainous trail to the village of Santa Clara La Laguna, known locally for the baskets and handmade bags produced by the villagers. We camp nearby for the next two nights. Approximate walking time 6-7 hours.See more images and videos

7Day 7San Marcos Peak.

We have a fantastic optional full-day ridge walk today as we climb Pico San Marcos (2800m), ascending through highland forests and plantations. We would recommend wearing trousers as some of the path can be overgrown with vegetation. Near the top of the mountain is a cave which has been used in Mayan rituals for centuries. The summit is almost as high as the neighbouring San Pedro Volcano, but its location allows us to enjoy views in all directions so we can see not only Lake Atitlan but all the surrounding volcanoes and the main bulk of the highlands which we will traverse over the next few days. We return to Santa Clara camp in the early afternoon. You can choose to relax at the campsite instead of joining this walk if you wish. Approximate walking time 6 hours.See more images and videos

8Day 8Trek through mountains to Santa Catarina.

We leave camp this morning and follow ancient Mayan trade routes, crossing the Nahulate river and ravine as we move deeper into the highlands. We pass through several villages along the way and we camp tonight in the area of old Santa Catarina, whose population has gradually decreased as geological activity has resulted in the collapse of several houses over the years. We may get the chance to challenge the locals to a game of football or enjoy a Temazcal, a pre-hispanic sweat lodge use to purify the body, once we are settled at the campsite on the school grounds. Approximate walking time 6 hours.See more images and videos

9Day 9Sierra de Parraxquim walk.

Today's hike takes us onto a high plateau (approx. 3000m) which forms the eastern extension of the Zunil mountain range. We start in Pacific cloud forest before we reach the plateau where the landscape opens up and we enjoy open highland scenery. The area is home to the Quiche Maya people who still manufacture their textiles using traditional tools such as foot looms and backstrap looms. Our afternoon tea will be shared with the welcoming local community and their children. Tonight we camp on the school grounds of another one of the local schools. Approximate walking time 5-6 hours.See more images and videos

10Day 10Hike Zunil Volcano (3542m).

After breakfast we leave camp and hike up the Zunil ridge, with spectacular views of the Quetzaltenango Valley as we make our way to the 3542m summit of Zunil, a picture-perfect conical volcano. From the top, we can see 14 other volcanoes as well as Lake Atitlan in the distance. The descent takes us through cloud forest to the Georginas hot springs, where we stay for the next two nights. We will be staying in basic cabins within the cloud forest. In the evening, we can soak away any aching limbs from the day's hike in the hot springs while enjoying a nice cold drink. Approximate walking time 8 hours.See more images and videos

11Day 11Free time to enjoy more time at the springs and to explore the surrounding area.

This morning we have a 45 minute drive and then a short visit to Guatemala's largest vegetable market at Almolonga, set in the heart of the country's main agricultural region. The market gives us an insight into the life of the local Mayan communities and many of the traders and customers still wear traditional highland dress. The afternoon has been left free to enjoy more time at the springs and to explore the surrounding area. It is possilble to take an optional nature walk arounda local coffee plantation to try to spot the Quetzal bird, or try an exhilarating zip line course flying over the forest.See more images and videos

12Day 12Short walk to Cerro Quemado Volcano (3197m).

We have a 50 minute drive to where we start our 1 hour hike up the 3197m Cerro Quemado ('Burnt Peak'), a jagged volcanic rock formation. The craggy summit is very interesting to explore and there are great views of the town of Quetzaltenango, or Xela as it is known locally. We will have a 2 hour walk at the top of the peak through the “Mar de Piedra” or Stone Sea , an area full of dry lava rocks. You may find gloves useful as you will need to scramble over rocks and these will offer protection for your hands. We will have time after our descent in the late afternoon to explore the colonial town. Approximate walking time 3-4 hours.See more images and videos

13Day 13Hike Santa Maria Volcano (3772m); transfer to Antigua.

We start early this morning to transfer about 40 minutes to the entrance of Volcan Santa Maria. Symmetrical, forest-covered Santa María volcano is one of the most prominent of a chain of large stratovolcanoes that rises dramatically above the Pacific coastal plain of Guatemala. Santa Maria erupted catastrophically in 1902 destroying its former summit. Since then, a complex of new lava domes has been growing inside the scar left by the 1902 eruption.
We begin our 3- 4 hour hike up to the summit of the volcano. The path is quite steep, and we will be walking mainly on loose dirt and ashes. As we approach the summit of the volcano, we will pass through a forest which has been burned by old eruptions. The views from the summit are impressive - on a clear day we can up to nine volcanoes. The summit (3773m) also offers spectacular views onto erupting Santiaguito. The descent takes around 2-3 hours to where we meet the vehicle. A 3-4 hour transfer takes us back to colourful Antigua. Approximate walking time 5-7 hours.See more images and videos

14Day 14Optional visit to Finca El Pilar Reserve.

Today has been left free to wander the colonial streets of Antigua and pick up some last-minute souvenirs from the well-stocked local markets. There is also an opportunity to visit Finca El Pilar, a private cloud forest reserve located on the outskirts of Antigua. When there, a hike to the Cucurucho Mountain is possible, offering spectacular views towards Guatemala City.See more images and videos

15Day 15End Antigua.

The trip ends after breakfast today. Those on group flights will be transferred to Guatemala City airport for the return journey to London.See more images and videos

Your images

Adult Group

This is a small group adult holiday. The group is usually between 4 and 16 in size, with an average of 12 like-minded clients booking individually, in a couple or as friends together.

Activity level

You have a good level of fitness and are looking for a physically challenging holiday. Previous experience is essential for activity based trips.

What's included

What's included

All breakfasts, 11 lunches and 8 dinners

All accommodation (see below)

All transport and listed activities

Tour leader throughout

Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)

What's not included

Travel insurance

Single accommodation (available on request)

Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation details

Hotels & Camping

We stay in a variety of colonial and modern hotels on this trip, all with en-suite rooms.

The camping will be arranged on a full-service basis, with all camp chores done and meals cooked and prepared for you.

The first two nights camping will be at campsites with flushing toilets, one shower, and electricity points.

The second two nights camping will be at campsites with flushing toilets, no shower and no electricity points.

For the two nights in basic cabins, there will be a cold shower, thermal plunge pool and en suite toilets. Sheets and blankets will be provided. There are electricity points in the cabins.

It is possible to book a single supplement depending on availability and the price is 160GBP.

Essential info

Vaccinations and Visa
Holders of British, Australian, New Zealand, US, Canadian and most EU passports do not require visas for Guatemala.
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. The risk of malaria is slight but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Holiday style

Although most of the trekking is relatively straightforward with well-defined and well-made trails, the ascent and descent of Pacaya Volcano can be testing because of the amount of volcanic ash on its slopes.

Though this trip is planned to avoid the full heat of summer and the rainy season, it can be hot and humid in Guatemala at any time of the year, and you should be prepared to walk long distances in sometimes difficult climatic conditions.

The initial hikes are around 3 hours each, but for the majority of the trip you should expect to walk between 6 and 7 hours a day.

This trip spends a reasonable amount of time at altitude - please see the Trip Notes for more detail.

Eating & drinking

All breakfasts, 11 lunches and 7 dinners included.

Breakfast is always provided in hotels and generally consists of bread, eggs, ham, fruit, juice and coffee. You can often opt for a Guatemalan breakfast which includes eggs, beans, plantains, local cheese and tortillas.

Whilst camping your food will be prepared by renowned restaurateur Juan-Carlos and his team. With his own restaurant in Antigua, he is used to preparing delicious meals, and throughout the camping section of your trip will ensure you have delicious packed lunches and evening meals designed to ensure you have the right balance of nutrients and carbohydrates do give you the maximum energy for trekking.

Although meat plays a key part in many Central American dishes, vegetarians are well catered for. Please advise us on booking of any special dietary requirements you may have.

Trip notes

Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want to know about this trip, including
detailed itinerary and full kit list

Weather & seasonality

Between November and February the daytime maximum is around 20degC rising to 27degC in summer. Nights are much cooler, around 6degC in winter and 12degC in summer. It can be surprisingly cold in the highlands on winter nights. The wet season is from June to October, when it normally rains on average one day in three. During the other months rain is much less likely, but there is the chance of an occasional storm at almost any time.

Gallery

Reviews & community

Just returned from an amazing 2 weeks in Guatemala. The trekking was tough but beautiful and only one day was thwarted by an erupting volcano!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Highlights including enjoying leisurely beer in the natural hot springs buried deep in the jungle, zip lining over the forest canopy, a boat trip across Lake Atitlan and trekking to the top of several amazing volcanoes.

What did you think of your group leader?

Juan and Rafa were brilliant. Lovely characters who were keen to show the best of their beautiful country as well as ensuring everyone had a great time.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take quick drying clothes, things can get quite damp on the camping nights due to the natural climate of the rainforest. Also it gets very chilly in the evenings so make sure you have a warm fleece and hat.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This is a great trip - if you are thinking of doing it don't hesitate - book it!

The sheer diversity of the trip is wonderful! From exploring the vast and colourful vegetable market, zip wiring, exploring Mayan ruins, boat trips, highland villages, bird watching, soaking in glorious hot spring tubs, meeting friendly local people, including Miguel's lovely family, the whole trip was superb and that is before we start on the fabulous walking up five volcanoes.............

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Reaching the top of glorious Santa Maria, with volcanoes galore all around, some of which we had climbed.

What did you think of your group leader?

All three group leaders were superb; special mention goes to Juan who was responsible, friendly, competent, flexible and good fun throughout. We were particularly impressed with the way he responded to the group and made things happen even if they weren't on the 'trip notes'!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't be obsessed with 'trip notes'! Flexibility is good - the 'off piste' activities that Juan and his team offered were some of the BEST bits!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The weather was superb throughout (sorry that the previous group were not so lucky) with blue skies and sunshine every day. The dry season had just started and we reaped the benefits. Juan at the very beginning mentioned that life is not hurried in Guatemala and that we would enjoy it best if we relaxed and enjoyed the leisurely tempo of Guatemalan life. He was right!

The food that Juan Carlos and his ace team prepared in difficult conditions was superb. Most of us found our way to his restaurant in Antigua on our free day there, just to savour the delights one more time!

We visited the Filadelfia coffee plantation on our day in Antigua and found it fascinating - and you get to travel in a WW2 Unimog truck!

Guatemala has great potential as an adventure travel destination, but my holiday (in October 2013) was blighted by frequent torrential rain that significantly detracted from the experience. The 2013 Trip Notes were not always representative of the walks actually on offer – Exodus have assured me that this is going to be corrected for departures in 2014 onwards.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I was hoping for plenty of stunning highland views on this holiday and I’m sure they’re available in good weather, but the heavy rain severely limited what we were able to see.Instead, spending time with Quiche Maya locals in the highlands of Guatemala was a highlight – despite current FCO advice stating that Guatemala suffers from high rates of crime, I never felt in any way unsafe whatsoever and I don’t think I’ve ever visited such a friendly and relaxed country.

What did you think of your group leader?

Juan and Esteban were friendly and enthusiastic guides.They did a good job of making alternative accommodation arrangements when our campsite flooded and booked alternative excursions for us when we all got fed up with trekking on washed out paths in the pouring rain.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Come prepared for all weathers and avoid travel to Guatemala in October if the end of the wet season in 2013 that I experienced is anything to go by.If bad weather washes out the paths, trekking poles are pretty much essential – particularly for the steep descent off the Zunil Ridge down to Georginas Hot Springs.

The accommodation arrangements for the 6 days of trekking are supposed to consist of camping in tents.Spacious canvas tents were provided, but they weren’t waterproof so we ended up sleeping on the think foam mattresses provided on the floor of a nearby refuge for the first two nights of the trek and on the floor of a classroom of the local school for the 3rd and 4th nights (again on the think foam mattresses provided).Note that the 2 nights spent at Georginas Hot Springs actually involve staying in cabins rather than camping.

Money exchange in Antigua was somewhat time-consuming – it may be better to get some Quetzales changed at the airport at the beginning of the trip where exchange rates are as competitive as in town.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I didn't find this tour to be a particularly challenging volcano climbing trek, it’s more of a visit to the Guatemalan Highlands with a variety of countryside walks on offer (the only summit we climbed to was Volcan San Pedro and this wasn’t actually part of the Exodus itinerary).Following discussions with Exodus after my holiday in October 2013, Exodus have assured me that they are going to amend the Trip Notes to more accurately reflect the walks on offer each day for departures in 2014 onwards.

Having spent several winter ski seasons whizzing down the alpine slopes and summer seasons working at a watersports school in the south of France, Chloe's passion for travel began whilst at university. Shortly after, she spent 2 years living in Australia and New Zealand before heading back to the UK to begin her career in travel. Her role as Product Manager has meant that not only has she been able to enjoy some great European trekking and activity trips, but also to discover a new found love of the Middle East.

Questions about your trip

Pick your question

Are dollars best for this trip?

Yes, taking a mix of dollar denominations is the best idea for this trip. Taking cash is fine, as long you exercise the same degree of common sense you would at home. The leader will best advise you on changing it once you arrive. ATMs are becoming more common but you shouldn't rely on them 100%, in case there are any problems.

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

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